Holy trainwreck! This week marks the 20th anniversary of one of the most fascinating misfires in movie history, Joel Schumacher’s Batman & Robin. The film’s less-than-stellar box office reception in summer of ‘97 marked the end of the Dark Knight’s first movie series, and in the years since has become a fascinating case study for how studios can kill their golden goose franchises. With that in mind, Brian and Zaki have used the occasion to dive in for a feature-length commentary track as the...
Jun 18, 2017•2 hr 11 min
Is The Mummy magnificent, or merely a mess? The MovieFilm boys tackle the Tom Cruise monster mash -- first entry in Universal’s ballyhooed “Dark Universe” -- and try to figure out whether it should live forever or go back under wraps. But that's not all! We also pay respects to the late, great Adam West following his passing, and share our fond memories of the Batman star and his seminal series. In addition, we also talk up the latest developments on Justice League and X-Men: Dark Phoenix, discu...
Jun 16, 2017•1 hr 43 min•Ep. 122
Summer movie season continues! This week: An in-depth, spoiler-filled discussion of Warner Bros. freshly-minted megahit Wonder Woman! But that's not all, you can also hear Zaki's interview with writer/director/star Zoe Lister-Jones about her fresh new comedy Band Aid. In addition, hear quick takes on the trailers for Murder on the Orient Express, American Made, and Logan Lucky, as well as all the Headlines, Listener Letters, and Star Wars news you've come to expect. Listen through the embed belo...
Jun 08, 2017•1 hr 57 min•Ep. 121
The MovieFilm boys kick off June on the high seas with an in-depth discussion of Captain Jack Sparrow's fifth (and final?) outing in Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales! But before that, Zaki gives his thoughts on Captain Underpants - in addition to teasing his take on Wonder Woman - and Brian sees The Dark Knight through a whole new lens after revisiting Michael Mann's crime epic Heat. Plus, Universal and Warner Bros. battle over the word "dark," debating the merits of con...
Jun 03, 2017•1 hr 50 min•Ep. 120
It’s a packed, extra-size episode of the MovieFilm Podcast this week! Hear Zaki’s interview (beginning at 44:20) with actor Clayne Crawford of TV’s Lethal Weapon to discuss his new film, the compelling war drama A Fighting Season, as well as what it’s like to take on Mel Gibson’s iconic alter ego. After that, it’s on to a spoiler-filled chat about Alien: Covenant, the latest entry in the long-lived Fox sci-fi/horror franchise. Did we like it? Did we loathe it? You’ll have to breach the Spoiler W...
May 26, 2017•1 hr 57 min•Ep. 119
It’s the start of May, and that means summer movie season is upon us! This week the MovieFilm boys dive in for a spoiler-filled conversation on Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2! The sci-fi actioner starring Chris Pratt and Zoe Saldana is the number one film in the country, and we’ve got lots to say about it! But that’s not all, you can also get our thoughts on the new trailers for Wonder Woman, The Dark Tower, and Blade Runner 2049, and hear quick takes on the passing of legendary ...
May 09, 2017•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 118
May the 4th be with you! The MovieFilm boys celebrate Star Wars day by debuting a brand new commentary track talking through the final leg of the original trilogy, 1983’s Return of the Jedi. Whether you queue up your DVD, blu-ray, or digital copy to watch in synch with us, or just want listen separately while you’re on the road or exercising, we’re pretty sure you’ll find lots to enjoy with this one. There’s lots of behind-the-scenes stories, some or our own observations on specific plot points,...
May 04, 2017•2 hr 14 min
Lots to discuss in the latest MovieFilm show! First up, hear quick takes from Brian on a host of recent releases he’s seen, while Zaki teases his thoughts on Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2 and brags about finally getting ahold of the impossible-to-find NES Classic! After that, it’s on to headlines, with thoughts on Jeff Goldblum returning to the Jurassic franchise, David Fincher taking on an unexpected franchise flick, Robert Zemeckis flirting with directing a superhero picture, and much more, ...
May 02, 2017•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 117
But that’s not all for the MovieFilm Podcast this week! We still had more to say, so we hung around a little while longer to offer up our thoughts on the latest (greatest?) entry in Universal’s long-running Fast & Furious franchise, The Fate of the Furious, which revved its engines to the tune of a $500 million-plus global opening this past weekend — the biggest in history. So, how does Vin Diesel’s latest “family” adventure play compare to its forerunners? Does the series weather the loss o...
Apr 18, 2017•42 min•Ep. 116
The MovieFilm boys are back with their takes on the latest news and new releases! This past weekend brought a whole boatload of Star Wars news out of the famed Star Wars Celebration in Orlando, and we’re here with our takes on the first teaser trailer for The Last Jedi, plus word that Star Wars: Rebels is coming to a close, as well as the hints that have been dropped for the franchise’s future past 2019’s Episode 9. Beyond that, we also have quick thoughts on the new trailers for Thor: Ragnarok ...
Apr 18, 2017•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 116
The MovieFilm boys close out March by diving in for in-depth discussions on the big budget Power Rangers reboot and this weekend’s Ghost in the Shell! In addition, we discuss word that James Cameron has further delayed his long-promised Avatar sequels, and the curious choice who Warner Bros. wants to direct their Akira remake. Plus, hear our quick takes on the latest trailers for Justice League, Baywatch, Spider-Man: Homecoming, and War for the Planet of the Apes, and catch up on the latest Star...
Mar 31, 2017•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 115
For our latest episode, the MovieFilm boys go ape for Kong: Skull Island. Listen in as we go deep into a spoiler-filled conversation about the latest attempt to bring the massive monkey to the big screen, this time as part of a “Monster-verse” where he’ll eventually cross paths with fellow movie monster Godzilla. Also, hear Zaki’s interview with actress Mikaela Hoover about her roles in The Belko Experiment, 2 Broke Girls on CBS, and the upcoming TV series The Guest Book. In addition, we also un...
Mar 14, 2017•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 114
Hugh Jackman bids farewell to his beloved big screen alter ego in this weekend’s Logan, and the MovieFilm boys are joined by Justin Shanlian of the Shanlian on Batman podcast to discuss our reactions to the much-anticipated X-Men finale. In addition, you can also hear Zaki’s thoughts on the upcoming Beauty and the Beast remake from Disney and his interview with director Mark Pellington about his new film The Last Word, in theaters now. Also, we offer our reflections on the sad passing of Bill Pa...
Mar 03, 2017•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 113
After an extended break, the MovieFilm Podcast is back to talk up the latest batch of new releases out of Hollywood, including smash hit The LEGO Batman Movie and Matt Damon’s period fantasy epic The Great Wall (which Zaki enjoyed more than most). In addition, listen to Zaki discuss the new romantic comedy Their Finest with its co-star, the delightfully droll Bill Nighy. After that, it’s on to headlines, including the tumult behind DC/WB’s The Batman, with star Ben Affleck dropping out of the di...
Feb 23, 2017•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 112
The boys are back with lots of new releases to unpack! Hear our quick takes on The Founder, Live by Night, xXx: Return of Xander Cage, and Split, and then listen as we discuss the Oscar and Razzie nominations, news that the long-anticipated Neil Blomkamp’s Aliens sequel may be dead while the Terminator franchise may be roaring back to life with creator James Cameron involved. Also: Our thoughts on the new trailers for Power Rangers and CHiPs, and the title for this year’s Star Wars: Episode VIII...
Jan 25, 2017•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 111
Happy new year! It’s a super-sized episode of the show as we take a look back at our top ten favorite flicks from the year just passed. With varied lists that include everything from big budget epics like Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Captain America: Civil War to smaller releases like Hunt for the Wilderpeople and Hell or High Water, we go through the reasons why these were the movies that rose to the top for us. Where did we end up ranking them? You’ll have to listen to find out! But that’s...
Jan 05, 2017•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 110
In a first for us, it’s two episodes in one week for the MovieFilm Podcast! After dissecting Rogue One: A Star Wars Story last time, we have thoughts on Hacksaw Ridge, Silence, The Founder, and more, and Zaki goes into the ethical issues of new sci-fi romance Passengers, starring Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence. In addition, hear an interview with director Damien Chazelle and composer Justin Hurwitz about their charming musical La La Land, in theaters now. After that, it’s a rundown of trailer...
Dec 21, 2016•2 hr 1 min•Ep. 109
This week’s release of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story means the Force is back in force! To celebrate the occasion, the boys go rogue and dispense with traditional format in favor of a full-on, Star Wars-centric discussion for the full ninety minutes! Listen in as Brian and Zaki give their takes on the latest entry of the storied Star Wars franchise, unpacking the plot, dissecting the details, opining on the music, picking out the Easter eggs, and just generally giving an unvarnished, spoiler-fille...
Dec 18, 2016•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 108
Last year around this time we did a commentary talking through the original 1977 Star Wars (a.k.a. A New Hope), and with this week’s impending release of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (read my review here), we thought it was a perfect opportunity to fire up yet another commentary track, this time talking through arguably the greatest Star Wars of all time, 1980’s The Empire Strikes Back. Whether you queue up your blu-ray and watch along with us, or just listen to the track separately while you dr...
Dec 14, 2016•2 hr 10 min
After a brief layover, the MovieFilm boys are back to unpack a whole raft of new releases! Listen in as Brian and Zaki discuss Moana, Miss Sloane, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and more! Plus, a spoiler-filled conversation about the thought-provokig new sci-fi spectacle Arrival. But that’s not all! There’s also plenty of headlines to cover, including the death of Brady Bunch mom Florence Henderson, plans for a Nintendo theme park, and more Avatar sequels on the way — whether we want t...
Nov 30, 2016•1 hr 47 min•Ep. 107
Things get very strange in this episode of the MovieFilm Podcast — Doctor Strange, that is! Yes, the latest superhero epic from Marvel Studios hit theaters last night, but we’re already up with an in-depth, spoiler-filled conversation unpacking the Benedict Cumberbatch blockbuster. What did we think? Is it worth rushing out to see? Listen in to find out! In addition, you can also hear quick takes on the supremely relevant political doc Weiner, and Ron Howard & Tom Hanks’ failed franchise pic...
Nov 04, 2016•1 hr 49 min•Ep. 106
For the latest MovieFilm show, the boys discuss the Ben Affleck starrer The Accountant, as well as some quick takes on HBO’s Westworld, and Brian’s belated reaction to The Magnificent Seven. In addition, get our thoughts on Fox mainstay The Simpsons hitting 600 episodes, and the new trailers for Powers Ranges and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Also, listen to Zaki’s interview with star Ewan McGregor as he discusses his directorial debut, American Pastoral, as well as what it’s like to be Obi-Wan ...
Oct 19, 2016•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 105
It’s a light week at the movies, but that doesn’t mean Zaki and Brian don’t have plenty of topics to cover on the latest show! To start things off, we look at some select highlights and lowlights of the fall TV season, including the reboots of Lethal Weapon and MacGyver, as well as the new Fox animated offering Son of Zorn, and more. From there, it’s on to headlines, including Ben Affleck’s comments on the negative reaction to Batman v. Superman, and news that Jon Favreau is helming a brand new ...
Oct 05, 2016•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 104
With fall movie season upon us, Brian and Zaki are back to offer quick takes on a whole host of new releases, including Clint Eastwood’s Sully, Oliver Stone’s Snowden, and the new Antoine Fuqua- Denzel Washington pairing, The Magnificent Seven. In addition, get our thoughts on the trailers for the upcoming films Live By Night and Passengers, and listen in as we discuss the passing of director Curtis Hanson and other headlines out of Hollywood, plus check out Zaki’s interview with the filmmakers ...
Sep 22, 2016•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 103
Continuing an annual post-Labor Day tradition at the MovieFilm show, Brian and Zaki reunite after a brief hiatus to look back at the summer’s crop of releases big and small. From April’s The Jungle Book to last month’s Ben-Hur, and almost everything in between, we reexamine the hits, the misses, the should’ve-been-bigger, and the understandably-flopped from the summer season just ended. But that’s not all: Before the main events, we also pause to pay tribute to the late, great Gene Wilder, ackno...
Sep 09, 2016•1 hr 51 min•Ep. 102
The MovieFilm boys are back with their thoughts on the late summer smash Suicide Squad! Find out what we thought of the latest DC Comics adaptation as we offer our takes on what worked and what didn’t. In addition, Zaki discusses why the fourth time may not be the charm when it comes to Matt Damon in Jason Bourne. But that’s not all! Hear our interview with Parker Sawyers & Tika Sumpter about the charming romantic dramedy Southside With You, as well as fast talk on the latest headlines out o...
Aug 17, 2016•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 101
It’s the big 100th episode the MovieFilm Podcast! And for this extra-special installment Zaki & Brian are joined by special guest (and former co-host) Sean Coyle! After reminiscing about the origins of the show and what led to its creation, Zaki describes his recent invitation to a presidential reception at the White House, and then the gang gets into discussing the latest news and trailers out of Comic-Con, including our first looks at Justice League, Wonder Woman, and Kong: Skull Island. (...
Jul 26, 2016•1 hr 46 min•Ep. 100
The MoveFilm boys are back with their thoughts on one of the most anticipated and most divisive movies of the year: Ghostbusters! Yes, now that the Paul Feig-directed reboot of the ’80s property is actually in theaters, we can discuss it from an informed perspective. Listen in to hear our takes, what we liked, what we didn’t like, and where we’d like to see things go next. But that’s not all! Hear Brian’s thoughts on the Netflix original series Stranger Things, as well as quick takes on Star Tre...
Jul 20, 2016•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 99
Welcome (back) to Earth! Brian and Zaki anticipate the fourth of July by discussing director Roland Emmerich’s Independence Day: Resurgence, the Fox sequel that’s either twenty years in the making or about seventeen years too late, depending on your point-of-view. But that’s not all: We also have quick takes on the new “Ultimate Edition” of Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice and Warner Bros.’ The Legend of Tarzan, the latest attempt to reboot the classic Jungle Lord for the big screen. In addit...
Jun 29, 2016•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 98
Cowabunga! Strap on your nunchucks and get your pizza on as Zaki and Brian discuss the sequel Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows, and why it’s ended up disappointing at the box office despite being a much better movie than its predecessor. In addition, they also talk the video game adaptation Warcraft, and offer some thoughts on the planned Ocean’s 11 spin-off film and Netflix’s upcoming Stranger Things miniseries. All that, plus the usual Star Wars news, listener letters, and witt...
Jun 14, 2016•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 97
